The 10 Best Cops Shows of All Time

In the television entertainment system, the viewers are entertained by two separate yet equally important kinds of shows: the straight cop show, with clear good guys and bad guys, and the morally hazy shows that blur the lines. These are our choices.

10. Hawaii Five-O

10. Hawaii Five-O

Network: CBSAir Dates: September 20, 1968 — April 6, 1980

Hawaii Five-O is about an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police answerable only to the governor, and headed up by Steve McGarrett (brilliantly played by Jack Lord) and his partner Danny Williams (James MacArthur). With one of the hippest theme songs in television history, Hawaii Five-O served up some fast-paced, jump cut editing that intensified the island action. It was way ahead of its time.

Steve McGarrett and his crack team had to rid the island of James Bond-like criminals on a weekly basis, with Wo Fat being not only the best named character in the series, but also McGarrett's worst enemy. You have to watch the episode where McGarrett finally brings Wo Fat to justice. The fight scene alone is priceless. ("Aloha, old friend.")

The show had sex appeal, too, with ladies falling over themselves for Lord and his perfectly quaffed hair, and fresh pressed suits. With a strong supporting cast, especially MacArthur providing the comic relief to Lord's stone face, it's no wonder the series lasted for 12 years. "Book 'em, Danno!" —Anthony Verducci

9. Wiseguy

9. Wiseguy

Network: CBSAir Dates: September 16, 1987 — December 8, 1990

The perverse relationship between undercover operatives and the criminals they befriend is fertile ground for drama. Stephen J. Cannell's Wiseguy plays this theme to the hilt by placing Vinnie Terranova—who served an eighteen-month prison sentence to establish his street cred—inside criminal organizations for story arcs that spanned entire seasons.

Wiseguy makes our list because of its surprisingly nuanced take on cops and criminals. Vinnie is tough, gentle, and naive. He's a guy who respects other standup guys, but he's also a rat and hates himself for it. He's conflicted and remains likable. That's a testament to Ken Wahl as an actor. The quandaries he finds himself in—on and off the job—unfold in gritty, dramatic fashion.

People loved Jonathan Banks as Frank in Breaking Bad; Frank's role on Wiseguy as world-weary informant handler Frank McPike is every bit as good. His relationship with Vinnie is a foundation of the show. The tension between Vinnie and Frank, who trust but don't particularly like each other, is an interesting contrast to Vinne's relationship with the criminals, who he likes but must betray.

Seasons one through three are the prime Wiseguy turf; after that, the show becomes an annoying parade of replacements for the oft-injured Wahl, who eventually left the series for good at the end of the third season. —Joe Pappalardo